How To Find Hidden Treasures At Yard Sales

You make some nice scores at yard sales when you buy cheap stuff that is worth much more than what you  paid. Look for the following items.

Printed cloth handkerchiefs from the 1970's and earlier.  Look for  those with nice patterns and colors. Some distinctive patterns can be framed as art. Some sell fro about $18 or more.The best examples are hand-hemmed made of fine line or cotton. Also, be on the lookout for scarves from designers like Hermes and Marimekko.

Williamsburg style wood furniture from the 1950's and 1960's. This furniture is not trendy since it has an old fashioned colonial look but is solid wood. Look for pieces made by Baker, Beacon Hill, and Kittinger.
A Kittinger set of library steps brings about $550.

Psychedelic posters from the late 1960's and early 1970's. A lack of pinholes or other signs of age and use might mean its a reproduction. A Peter max poster from 1968 called "Love" sells for $316.

Fisher-Price toys.  Look for toys that are in pristine condition. A racer with no plastic parts brings about $350. Also look for Fisher-Price "Little People" from the 1980's or earlier. They can bring $2 to $5 or more.

Modern Swedish glass. Glass from Kosta and Orrefors have been increasing in value lately.

Decorative garden items. Look for bird feeders, birdhouses, fountains, and iron garden sets. A vintage set of two chairs with a cat design on the back fetched $4,000. People who have garage sales sometimes  forget  to include yard sale items. So take a peek in the backyard and ask if a nice item is for sale.